Police officer fired after video shows him repeatedly punching black man

A criminal investigation is underway after a police officer repeatedly punched a black man while on the ground.

The cop, who has not been named, was sacked following the attack during the arrest of Roderick Walker.

The deputy was fired for "excessive use of force" on the man, Clayton County Sheriff's Office in Georgia today confirmed.

Walker was arrested on suspicion of obstructing officers and battery.

The force are now probing the incident.

It comes after months of worldwide protests began over police violence and racial injustice in America following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis back in May.

His lawyer Shean Williams says his client was with his girlfriend, their five-month-old child and stepson at the time.

He confirmed that the 26-year-old was asked for identification before officers demanded he get out of the vehicle.

Walker questioned why they needed his ID as it wasn't him at the wheel, the lawyer claimed.

The arrest, which was filmed by an onlooker, shows two officers on top of the man. One of whom repeatedly punches him as he is grounded.

While being handcuffed, the officer in question tells the bystander that the suspect bit him.

The arrested man denies biting the cop, his lawyer confirmed, before adding that Walker lost consciousness at "least twice" on the floor.

The clip has since been shared widely on social media.

Mr Williams said: "My reaction to the video is that it just shows unfortunately another incident where an African American male's civil rights have been violated by people and officers and law enforcement who have the duty first to protect and serve."

He has asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to review the case.